The presentation of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in children with complex backgrounds

Abstract

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a feeding and eating disorder characterized by restricted food intake with limited dietary variety often resulting in suboptimal nutrition and poor growth. While it is a relatively new condition, emerging from DSM5 criteria in 2013, it has a high prevalence in children, with studies suggesting it affects between 1 in 5 and 1 in 20 children. It is more common in children with other medical conditions and particularly in those with neurodivergence. This short article provides an overview of what is known about ARFID and how it can be managed.